This method developed by Dr. Sertaç Sever for the treatment of vitiligo is actually a cell transfer method.
In the treatment of vitiligo, even when medication and phototherapy are used in some cases, the desired results may not be achieved in certain areas of the skin. This is because the stem cells that restore skin color in these areas are insufficient or disappear completely over time.
With the method developed by Dr. Sertaç Sever, samples collected from the scalp are separated into cells using a special system and injected into the vitiligo-affected areas. This allows the reduced number of cells in the area to be replenished, and the cells multiply rapidly, covering the vitiligo-affected areas.
Which vitiligo patients are suitable for cell therapy?
- Patients who have not developed new vitiligo lesions for one year
- Patients who have previously used treatments such as medication and/or phototherapy without benefit
The patients on this list are particularly suitable for cell vaccine treatment. Patients with new vitiligo lesions can also be treated, and the cell vaccine can be administered after the vitiligo lesions have stabilized.
What are the side effects of the cell vaccine?
- It is a method applied in the outpatient clinic. Since samples for the vaccine are taken from the scalp, there are no scars left in the areas where the samples are taken, similar to hair transplantation. The area is numbed before the sample collection process. Our doctor recommends growing out the hair before the procedure. This allows the areas where samples are taken to be covered by hair and to heal completely within a period of about 2 weeks.
- The processed cells are injected into the vitiligo-affected areas using a very fine needle, similar to procedures such as mesotherapy or PRP.
- You can return to your daily life immediately after the procedure. Since the injection is made into the vitiligo area, there is no scarring or marks.
- Since the person’s own cells are used, the possibility of any allergic reaction or infection is very low.
- People who are allergic to local anesthesia should inform their doctor before the procedure.
What is the success rate of cell therapy?
- Prior to cell therapy, there was no option available for our vitiligo patients who were resistant to treatment. Thanks to this method, which can be defined as the surgical treatment of vitiligo, this approach has begun to be adopted in Turkey.
- This method is not suitable for our vitiligo patients who show widespread, continuous, and rapid spread. Dr. Sertaç Sever recommends depigmentation treatment for such patients if other options have been used.
- The chances of successful treatment are high in a small number of vitiligo lesions that have been stable for a long time. The chances of success decrease in cases where there is a family history of vitiligo and in cases with widespread, extensive lesions.
- The permanence of the treatment varies from patient to patient, and since the risk is low in cases of recurrence, the method can be repeated.
Is cell therapy suitable for international patients?
- It is a one-day treatment that takes about 1 hour to perform. The duration may vary depending on the extent of the lesion, but the patient can travel immediately after the procedure.